Sardinia Insola: The dream Island for lovers

By Stevens Muendo

My first visit to Robinson Island was an awesome experience. Robinson, a lovers’ getaway in the Indian Ocean, off Lamu Road, is described as a wonder bordering heaven, in terms of tranquillity and serenity, all culminating to breathtaking and blissful scenery.

The whispering palm trees and sand dunes coupled with the artistically sculptured mangrove-fenced villas gives the island a sense of originality.

In this solitude, I have watched the magnificent sight of the full moon emerging, ‘from the ‘ocean’ as the sea breeze resonated around me. That escapes to an island for that splendid sense of isolation. That can be awesome.

But all this got its match the other day when my girl and I joined a group of 150 visitors for a romantic excursion to Sardinia Insola-Mayungu (Lovers’ Island), 20 nautical miles into the Indian Ocean, off the Watamu Coastline.

To begin with, figure yourself in this breathtaking Island in the middle of translucent blue oceans, bathing in sun and sand, sipping exotic Italian cocktails and other delights in the cool of a balmy afternoon, away from all troubles.

In Sardinia, lovers walk hand in and broken relationships get restored. The beauty of this magnificent island naturally creates the sort of sensation and magical atmosphere for an ultimate romantic escape. It’s no wonder ‘they’ have now nicknamed this honeymoon spot Lovers’ Island. Welcome on board!

The all-day excursion started at 8am when all visitors boarded their boats at the Malindi Marine Park shore. The first rule was for everyone to change into beachwear after, which our Captain, Abdalla Tabu and Mambo, our guide, wished us well.

"This is a journey of a lifetime. We have very prominent international celebrities visiting today and you will have a chance to bond with them," said the eloquent Italian speaking Mambo, who later whispered to me that indeed, celebrated Formula 1 boss Flavio Briatore and his bevy of beauties were right ahead.

"Has Naomi Campbell accompanied him this time round?" I asked, knowing so well that Briatore has on regular occasions visited the island in the company of the renown British model.

"No! But with him are top Formula 1 celebrities and leading fashion models," noted Mambo.

In about 20 minutes, our boat had waded through the calm ocean waters to our breakfast stop point at the Fish World Marine Park in the deep oceans.

thrills of marine life

Here, all the boats dock for half an hour as visitors enjoy the thrill of marine life like snorkelling. In their life jackets, holidaymakers could not hide their ecstasy as they made their plug into the ocean in this unique adventure. It was like an acclimatising moment for everyone in this journey as people got free with each other and even started exchanging toasts. The mid-morning sunrays seemed to form a kaleidoscope of colours across the endless horizons as we sailed through the waters towards our eventual destination.

After another 45 minutes cruise, our attention was stolen by the sight of what seemed like a minute object floating on the waters some distance ahead of us.

Italian foreigners

"Questo di insola," Mambo announced in Italian meaning that’s the island.

On the far left, the modern yatch belonging to Briatore cruised past us like a speedboat as we slowly begun catching the full view of Sardinia.

And in another minute, we were anchoring at the dream island, to the jubilant welcome by beach boys and deep-sea fishermen.

"Sardinia is one of the most unique and mysterious islands in the world. Way back in the early 1980s, the local fishermen discovered this island that formed as a result of low tide activity in the ocean. Since then, it has become a top tour destination," explained Mathew Katoto, another guide.

"Much later, Italian foreigners started investing in the construction of villas along the Casuarina Beach. The island has now become a must visit for all prominent Italians and other world leading personalities," added Athman Lali (Barilla), who has been operating boat excursions to the island for the past 15 years.

Magic of lover’s island

According to Lali, the news spread like a Savannah bushfire and couples started frequenting the island to sample its privacy, enjoy nude basking and romantic moments.

In late 1980s word had reached Italy that in Kenya there was an island that was similar to the original honeymoon Sardinia Insola, back in Italy.

"Welcome and experience the magic of Lover’s Island," said Mambo as we disembarked to the lovely white sands of the island. On a circumference of around a kilometre, the 10 boats anchored. As we watched, the waters mysteriously waded away leaving us in a circumference of more than three kilometres of dry land, inside the deep ocean.

The crew got down to work, preparing the barbeque of assorted seafood as the 150 visitors settled to the luxury of this excursion. For two hours, we took leisure strolls, sunbathed, popped champagne and played leisure games, not to mention the cosy romantic moments.

Sumptuous meals

And as if to crown it all, in another three hours, our boat had been transformed into a restaurant where two trained chefs were serving a sumptuous four course meal.

First, we were introduced to grilled King fish served with nicely spiced coconut rice. Then there was a dish of lobsters served with bread, and prawns.

"For those who need a stimulant, we have the original Kahawa Pwani," joked our captain as the chefs, who doubled as waiters, started serving sodas, champagne and wines, each to our fill, to the full delight of the overjoyed visitors.

But then, as everyone got carried in the moment, the tides were getting high and little did we know that the island was slowly submerging again.

"We should be out of here in the next one and half hours, else we might never make it back to the shore," warned our captain, giving the visitors another one hour to finalise their rendezvous.

Lifetime experience

The waves were quickly roaring back to the island. We were 15 minutes late. The island was under attack and with this everyone jumped back on the boats. And as we were doing so, our lovely Sardinia was no more.

Choosing to ride closer to the seashore in this eminent danger, we had a fabulous opportunity to view the captivating sea features by the shore from mesmerizing cliffs to magnificent beaches decorated by sand dunes. As the sun was going down, we were back to the cosy ambience of the villas.

Just but for clarification reasons, my friend and I were not here on honeymoon. I wouldn’t mind one there though. However, it was a whole lifetime experience, I must admit, the sort that is so ideal for soul searching, if not reviving one’s love life. To say the least, I pampered myself in luxury and comfort, tickled my heart and went back home with greater peace of the soul.